The County

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Houlton High School Spanish teacher Traci Storti (top, center) conducts a meeting of her Spanish II class using Zoom video conferencing on Friday. Students participating in the call are Teadora Wilde (top left), Breanne Barton, Caleb Solomon (middle, left), Collin Moody, Mia Henderson, Olivia Henderson (bottom, left) and Elena Ardell. Not pictured are students Zach Lowery, Zoe Austin and Lily Murphy. (Courtesy of Traci Storti)

Houlton High School Spanish teacher Traci Storti (top, center) conducts a meeting of her Spanish II class using Zoom video conferencing on Friday. Students participating in the call are Teadora Wilde (top left), Breanne Barton, Caleb Solomon (middle, left), Collin Moody, Mia Henderson, Olivia Henderson (bottom, left) and Elena Ardell. Not pictured are students Zach Lowery, Zoe Austin and Lily Murphy. (Courtesy of Traci Storti)

Social distancing forces Aroostook teachers to be creative during uncertain times

With schools in Aroostook County closed in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, teachers have adapted quickly to online learning tools as a means of communicating with and engaging students.

News Browse News

Do you have a parent or guardian who has or had a substance use disorder? Share your story.

The Star-Herald community reporter David Marino Jr., is currently producing another installment of our Deadly Dilemma series, which examines issues concerning substance use disorder within The County.

Houlton Regional Hospital confirms first case of coronavirus

After managing to hold out for weeks since the World Health Organization first declared the novel coronavirus COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, the virus has finally been confirmed in Aroostook County.

Pandemic puts Caribou woman’s vital liver transplant on hold

Former Deputy City Clerk Kalen Hill was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer last year. Now her chance of getting a vital liver transplant is on hold until the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.

Funeral industry adapts to COVID-19 regulations with digital innovation

New state regulations on public gatherings intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 have upended many industries across Maine, from restaurants to gyms to movie theaters. But there is no postponing death.

Aroostook County Sheriff answers questions on stay-at-home order

There’s a lot of gray area in how the governor’s edict will be enforced and what is allowed, so we asked Aroostook County Sheriff Shawn Gillen for clarification on the subject.

Nylander museum momentum comes to full stop as virus continues

The Nylander Museum of Natural History has canceled activities, tours, visits and guest speaker appearances until at least the beginning of May.

Crime and Courts Browse Crime and Courts

Two men arrested in Sherman theft case

Two Sherman men have been arrested on charges of theft after a catalytic converter had been reported stolen earlier Thursday morning.

Police arrest three, seize meth and suspected fentanyl

Caribou police arrested three individuals and seized 6.79 grams of suspected fentanyl along with 8.23 grams of methamphetamine and several pieces of drug paraphernalia.

Aroostook County Jail institutes changes amidst coronavirus outbreak

In light of coronavirus concerns, the Aroostook County Jail has instituted a number of changes to its day-to-day operations.

Maine State Police Troop F Report, March 2-8, 2020

The Maine State Police Troop F barracks in Houlton responded to a number of calls for service during the period of March 2-8, 2020, including the following.

Maine State Police Troop F Report, Feb. 24-March 1, 2020

The Maine State Police Troop F barracks in Houlton responded to a number of calls for service during the period of Feb. 24-March 1, 2020, including the following.

Maine State Police Troop F Report, Feb. 17-23, 2020

The Maine State Police Troop F barracks in Houlton responded to a number of calls for service during the period of Feb. 17-23, 2020, including the following.

Sports Browse Sports

Caribou’s Deprey commits to Husson University basketball

Parker Deprey of Caribou High School has played a pivotal role in spearheading the Vikings to back-to-back Class B basketball state championships. Fans in eastern and northern Maine will have the opportunity to continue following his progress during the next four years.

Multisport participation a healthier choice than specializing for high school athletes

Parker Deprey has a slight preference for basketball over the other sports he plays, but the Caribou High School senior has resisted the temptation to specialize in one athletic activity — with championship results.

Hodgdon hoop standout caps career with NCAA Division II All-East honor

Bentley University men’s basketball standout Chris Hudson of Hodgdon was named Monday to the NCAA Division II All-East Second Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Harris Memorial walk transitions to virtual-only event

The Spc. Dustin J. Harris Memorial Mile walk will not be held in a traditional manner this year, due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

Houlton and PI hockey players honored with awards

Several Houlton and Presque Isle hockey players received accolades for their efforts on the ice this past season.

Birch Point Bowling League – March 10, 2020

The Birch Point Women’s Bowling League top five teams as of March 10 are as follows:

Business News Browse Business News

Pat Jackson retires

The Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center recognized Pat Jackson, CNA/medication technician, who has officially retired after working her last day on Wednesday, April 1.

Houlton Rotarians meet via teleconference

On Monday, March 30, the Houlton Rotary Club held its first virtual meeting using the website Zoom, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department of Environmental Protection reminds Mainers of what not to flush

Properly functioning sewer systems are extremely important for the protection of public health and to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Celebration of new ownership of Burger Boy

Burger Boy of Caribou recently celebrated its opening under new ownership with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.

Houlton Town Council plans special meeting Monday, March 30

The Houlton Town Council will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30.

Presque Isle plant’s quality efforts earn EPA nod

The US Environmental Protection Agency recently recognized the wastewater treatment facility in Presque Isle for its commitment to improving water quality.

State, National and World News Browse State, National and World News

Agency on Aging warns senior citizens of COVID-19-related phone, internet scams

With fears of COVID-19 on the rise, there has also been an increase in medical-related scams targeting senior citizens, who are among the people most vulnerable to infection.

REAL ID to become mandatory this fall

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently begun a public awareness campaign to remind those who travel that beginning Oct. 1, 2020, a REAL ID-compliant license or other form of acceptable identification will be required to fly within the U.S.

State opens waters to free inland fishing

Governor Janet Mills on Friday, March 20, directed Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso to open all inland waters for fishing and to waive the requirement that anglers need a recreational fishing license to fish the inland waters of Maine.

NMCC instructor presents history lesson on Maine’s journey to statehood

Despite a winter weather advisory and concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, a small group of people gathered at Northern Maine Community College’s library on Friday to kick off local celebrations of Maine’s bicentennial.

Poll Browse Poll

Do you think municipalities should find a better way to broadcast their meetings for easy access?

Let us know what you think.

Living Browse Living

Presque Isle area From our Files – Week of April 1, 2020

75 Years Ago - April 5, 1945 N. W. Downing & Son Co. got the contract -- The contract for remodeling of the V.F.W. building was awarded to this local concern according to a statement from Fred Frazier, Chairman of the Post Renovating Committee.

Caribou area From our Files – Week of April 1, 2020

115 Years Ago - April 5, 1905 Water plant -- A deal closed last week where the Caribou Water, Light and Power Company, owned by parties in Gardiner, was being transferred to the new owners being, E.E. Haynes, G.W. Irving and J.P. Donworth, who will assume control of the entire plant on May 1.

Houlton area From our Files – Week of April 1, 2020

100 Years Ago - April 7, 1920 Accepted as instructor — Miss Dorothy Lyons has been accepted by the Chautauqua community as instructor of the children's department and after the closing of the schools will be assigned to one of their circuits.

Opinion Browse Opinion

Cooking with Susie Q – Week of April 8, 2020

I had another request for our liquid laundry detergent. The empty shelves at the stores have been disheartening. Many are getting more than they need, resulting in there not being enough for everyone. I make these cleaners regularly and use them nearly exclusively.

E.A. Williams Cartoon: April Fools

Conservation Corner

When I was a child, as the days lengthened in March, my dad would hook the yellow bubble-shaped sleigh that normally carried three little girls on family winter outings to his snowsled and head to the woods behind our house to collect sap from the big maples he had tapped.